Meet Me In The Cafe, Around The Corner

By Virginia Collier

It is Manchester 1952, seven years since the second world war.

With an initial incident happening in the workplace, a train of events then occurs. From betrayal to murder.

A detective new on the case soon realises everyone around is hiding something and could be capable of such an act.

Will the detective find the killer in time

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maple Publishers
• Release date: Dec 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781915164322

Book preview

Chapter One

Just as Sylvia was about to leave the house the clock struck 07:30am. As usual she was late in catching the bus for work.

Sylvia worked for a company that made parts for motor cars. In the Second World War the factory made parts for aeroplanes and tanks, that sort of thing. As it was only seven years since the war ended, things were still raw for most folk especially the ones who served their country.

Sylvia lived in Manchester, a few miles from the town Centre. She usually took the bus into work with her best friend Bridget, who lived over the road from her.

Sylvia was a bright, pretty lass with blonde hair that she put in a bun when at work. Sylvia would often dream for something exciting to happen in her life instead of working in a factory all day.

As Sylvia approached the bus stop, she could see her friend already waiting. Bridget was a pretty brunette with a witty nature who took every day as it came. Sylvia and Bridget were very close; no matter what was happening, they were always there for each other. Even if one of them was wrong.

It was a short bus ride to the All Parts factory. Sylvia had been working there for nearly two years, and Bridget just a little bit less. They both sorted the wages out every week.

Bus is late this morning, Sylvia said while hunting through her bag for some change to give the bus driver. That’ll mean Brian will be on our case again for being late.

Brian was only their supervisor, so if anyone did anything wrong, he would go running to the Manager.

After waiting a short while, chatting about nothing overly important, the bus showed up. About time! Sylvia moaned as she stepped onto the bus. This is the second time this week the bus has been late. I’ve a good mind to phone the depot and give them a piece of my mind, Bridget says as she lights a cigarette.

Sylvia and Bridget liked working at the factory as it was a Monday to Friday job. That meant they had the weekends to themselves. Mostly Sylvia and Bridget would go to the Crystal Rooms as they loved the dancing. Most folk would end up there at the end of the evening.

Bridget was a hopeless romantic who wore her heart on her sleeve. Being only twenty it was boys, and Sylvia going to the pubs. Living in Manchester was never dull: there were plenty of things to do and, since the war, it was as though everyone was still in celebration mode.

As the bus rolled to a stop they could hear the horn blow for all the workers to get to their work stations.

Hurry up Sylvia, else Brian will really be on our case again.

Oh, I’m not scared of him, Sylvia replied with a wave of her hand.

You’ll change your mind when he docks our pay.

When Sylvia and Bridget got to the bottom of the stairs. They could see Brian above them, waiting. You’re late! I will be docking your pay if you are late again. Get to work!

As Sylvia passed Brian, she could feel her temper begin to boil. She knew it would do no good to say anything Brian would only go straight to the manager’s office. You see, Brian’s sister Joyce was the manager’s wife.

Hello ladies. Late again I see.

Not you an all, don’t start Johnny!

Hey! I’m on your side remember? Sylvia smiled as she knew Johnny was only joking. You see, Johnny was really a nice bloke, good looking and charming, with slick, black hair and blue eyes. He would always be the one to sort out any problem that would arise. Johnny was one of them in the office who dealt with the invoices.

Ken, who was in his forties and mostly got on with everyone, was in charge of the shipping, making sure the deliveries got to the right places. Then there was Vera: a middle-aged woman who kept to herself most of the time. She was in charge of all of the orders. a very important job in the company. As All Parts ordered different metals from all over the world, they would have deliveries almost every day.

The office itself had two large windows, which let in a lot of light. Even though it was quite a small room. There were six offices all around the same size. They all had a desk, which made it feel like being back at school. and even with the large windows, it still got stuffy throughout the year.

Glancing at the clock, Bridget nudged Sylvia. It was ten thirty, and time for a tea break. Sylvia got up and reminded Brian that it was time for a tea break. He sighed and glanced at his watch, I suppose it is. Take a fifteen-minute break.

With that, everyone hurried to go to the toilet before Brian called them all back to their desks. Mostly they would take it in turns to make the tea. Today it was Bridget’s turn. Bridget never liked making the tea, as Creepy Brian would always be hovering around. Once everyone had their drinks, they would sit on the chairs nearest the door to get a cool breeze from outside.

Not a bad cup of tea if I say so myself. Johnny always says that when either Sylvia or Bridget makes the tea.

It’s not fair Brian never gives us chance to go to the toilet and have a cuppa, Bridget complained, whilst giving Brian a snide stare. No wonder he’s single. No one wants to put up with him.

Time to get back to work, you have had plenty of time to finish your drink, Brian shouted to everyone and on that order, they went back to work.

Chapter Two

How are you getting on with the order, Alfie? Sid asked.

I’ll finish it by home time. Alfie shouted with a wink.

Everyone got on with Sid even though he was the supervisor. It was difficult not to like him: he was a hardworking, likeable soul who would do anything to help someone who was struggling.

Alfie was one of the hardest workers. He always had the most parts made each day, with it being piece work. The more parts made, the better your wage packet was at the end of the week. With Alfie having two kids to feed, it was an extra bonus.

Most of the folk in the factory worked hard for their pay and, even though it was hard work, most of them liked working at All Parts. It helped that pretty much all of the staff got on well with each other.

There was a cry of frustration from the corner of the floor and Gilbert shouted Sid over. This machine’s been playing up all morning. I can’t deal with it anymore.

I’ll get an engineer out as soon as I can, it should be fixed by lunch time.

As soon as the lunch bell rang, everyone rushed away from their stations toward the canteen where they formed an orderly queue. The owners of All Parts provided all the workers with a free meal each day. Not all companies would do that. Doris and Karen were the cooks in the canteen and would cook good, homemade food for Sara to plate up for the workers. After everyone had finished their meal, some would go outside for a cigarette while sally cleared the canteen, then it was time for everyone else to go back to work.

When the canteen was cleared away, Doris and the others would sit down to have their lunch. Doris was the one in charge, but she never pulled rank on the other girls in the kitchen. Sara and Sally were the young ones and all they talked about was boys and what they had been up to over the weekend.

Chapter Three

After everyone had eaten their lunch, they all had a wave of energy to work the rest of the day. Annie, Mable and Wilma were packers, and they were quick at packing the small parts, chatting away as they went along.

Are you going to the cinema tonight? Annie asked Wilma as she packed a box.

I may come, what’s on tonight? Wilma asked.

"Robert Taylor is on in Above and Beyond."

I love Robert Taylor! Wilma gasped.

It starts at 7 o'clock at the Majestic. I can meet you outside at 6.30pm? Wilma agreed with a faint smile while she carried on packing.

Not long now ‘till home time. Annie glanced at the clock, then turned to face Wilma and spoke. It is really hot in here today, she said as she wiped her brow. Can’t wait to get out of here.

A while later, Annie nearly forgot to tell Wilma and Mable that Alfie had told her earlier that day that there was trouble brewing in one of the offices. Wilma and Mable both stared at Annie, waiting for her to tell the rest of the story. After a pause Annie continued. Well, as the story goes, everyone in the office has it in for Brian.

"What you mean have it in for Brian?" Wilma and Mable were waiting for an answer.

Apparently, Brian makes everyone in the office wait when the bell goes at home time.

Why does he do that? Mable asked.

Well, it all started when Brian accused Bridget Molt of tampering with the wages. That was only a few months after Bridget started working here. She was in tears about it. The manager looked into it but nothing else was said about it. Brian makes them wait when the bell goes like children at school. Just to make a point, I suppose."

Everyone knows that Brian is nothing but a sneaky weasel, running to the manager about any little thing. I bet the manager is fed up with him. Good job we haven’t got Brian out here with us. Annie, Mable and Wilma laughed has they carried on working.

Chapter Four

After most of the workers had left the factory, Sid was alone on the factory floor checking how many parts the workers had done that day. Suddenly, someone came up behind. Have you decided what you are going to do now?

Sid spun around and came face-to-face with Brian. For the last six months Sid had been sneaking parts out and selling them on the black market. Things had been tough at home, with a wife and three kids to feed, money was tight.

Brian had found out, about two months ago and decided to black mail Sid. He had been having his cut out of what Sid had been getting for the parts. I want more than you’re giving me, Brian said angrily. Or do you want me to have a word with your manager?

Brian had Sid where he wanted him. The problem Sid had was that if he gave Brian any more money, it wouldn’t be worth taking the parts in the first place. Anyhow, he’d decided he’d had enough, he wanted a clean slate before it was too late. He’d realised that if he got caught, he could get the sack or maybe even go to prison! Then his wife Suzi and the kids would have it even harder, with no money coming in.

Brian knew just how to play him. Sid felt trapped, like a wild animal that had been caught and locked in a cage. He knew he would have to continue with the deed.

Well? Where is my cut for this month? Brian asked angrily.

Sid started to lose his temper. I haven’t got the money yet; I need more time. The more Brian kept on at him, the more Sid wanted to hit him. Sid knew he had to calm down before he did lose his patience with him. He knew he had to do something soon before it got out of hand. With Brian wanting more money, Sid wished he hadn’t started selling the parts in the first place. All he wanted now was Brian gone.

Chapter Five

Sylvia glanced at the clock for the eighth time. Just an hour to go before home time.

It was early April, and the nights were starting to draw out, so it was light when everyone left work.

When Sylvia finished for the day, Johnny hissed to get her attention. Are you going to the Majestic tonight? Johnny asked quietly, while Brian was busy putting files away.

Before Sylvia could answer Johnny, Brian shouted over to her. These files are a disgrace; you can stay behind and get them in order!

Sylvia could feel her face go red. Filled with anger she knew she had to keep calm and to not give him any cheek back. She knew that, if she did, Brian would be more than happy to give her the sack.

When the bell went for home time, Johnny whispered to Sylvia that he would stay behind to help her with the files.

Sylvia smiled then told Johnny, It is best that I do the files on my own. I don’t want to get you in trouble as well.

He can’t get away with treating you like this, Bridget said angrily. I will wait for you in the café around the corner.

Sylvia gave a faint smile then said